Angel, It is also my understanding that Americans are more into nostalgia. I have a car buff friend who took an auto factory tour in Italy a few years back. He was able to chat with some of the old timers who had built some of the great sports cars (Ferrari, Maserati, etc.; I forget which one.) He was hoping to glean some of the passion and pride that went into the cars that he is so enthusiastic about today. Basically, their response: "We were just building cars." Kinda like they just did it for the paycheck...no sentiment involved. Here in Detroit, it seems every other UAW worker owns a classic car. The Woodward Dream cruise later this month attracts huge numbers of people and cars. Of course these are generalizations and there are exceptions. But I think my friend came away with the same burst bubble that Richard did when he visited the Italian framebuilder's shops.
Ed Kasper Detroit MI
> [Original Message]
> From: Angel M Garcia <wa2vuy@mindspring.com>
> To: <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Date: 8/3/2004 7:23:02 PM
> Subject: [CR]Italians Today: Into Steel or Not and Why Not?
>
> I've wondered if the fascination with now-being-built (KOF, Keeper Of the
> Flame) steel lugged bikes that exists here has any/much interest to
> Italians. I have read that all the steel Pegoretti bikes are sold to the
> USA because they say there is no interest at all for them in Italy. I
guess
> the same is true for Tommasini who apparently have given up as there are
no
> Italian buyers. e-Richie: have you sold any of your frames to Italy (or
when
> last?). Having been to Italy a number of times in the last couple of years
> it seems that the Italians seemingly want to be on the technological bike
> edge (which is not to say that steel can't be on the edge also). I find it
> interesting that here in America we lust after many Italian marques, and
> still seek out KOF builders, whereas the Italians don't appear to be that
> interested. It's just an impression I have, in general, which may be
> incorrect. But, that how it strikes me. Considering the rich history of
> cycling and Italian builders why the seemingly low interest? No negative
> intended, I love Italy and Italians!
> Angel Garcia
> Long Valley, NJ
>
> Subject: [CR]Re: History of Tommasini??
>
>
> > i think he's the last living link to "the way it was".
> >
> > i've been to grosetto 3 times. from various conversations i have
> > had with him, i was told in so many words that he, as well
> > as all the others over there, make these things (...points to
> > a bunch of nonferrous-ed material frames "of the day") because
> > "there alot of workers here, and each has a wife and a baby
> > or three...", but would rather make the handmade steel frames.
> > if the market didn't turn on its head in the 90s, there would likely
> > be more kay-oh-effs in italy.
> > e-RICHIE®T©
> > Richard M Sachs
> > Chester, CT